E-PAINTERS, ACES IN DAVAO FOR 1ST TEST
RAIN or Shine has come close its last time out in the PBA Philippine Cup. Alaska, on the other hand, has at least fond memories of the season-opening tourney that kicked off its big rebound last year.
A glimpse of whether the Elasto Painters and the Aces can go all the way this time should be had Sunday when they set off their campaign in the PLDT myDSL-sponsored tourney at the University of Southeastern Philippines gym in Davao City.
Taking into consideration the combatants’ reinforced rosters and respective motivations, the game should be a humdinger.
“Both teams are deep, both teams are bringing back (relatively) intact lineups. Going to be a good one for the Davao people to come see and enjoy,” noted Alaska coach Luigi Trillo.
For the teams, coming out with a “W” actually takes the backseat to putting up a respectable showing that would ease the minds of those who’ve got friends and/or relatives affected by the typhoon that recently ravaged some areas of the country.
“Hopefully, with what happened, we can do our part to help people be happy, at least for a moment,” said Trillo.
For its part, Rain or Shine sorely wants a return trip to the Finals where it got swept in four games by Talk N Text last year. The E-Painters laid bare their intentions by beefing up their lineup with rookies Alex Nuyles, Jeric Teng and Raymond Almazan, who will be joining the team that made him its No. 3 Draft pick overall.
Already the team co-owned by Terry Que and Raymund Yu has a well-stocked arsenal led by the likes of Jeff Chan, Paul Lee, Gabe Norwood, Beau Belga, JR Quinahan and Ryan Arana, all of whom are relied most upon by coach Yeng Guiao.
Ditto for Alaska, which came off its worst season ever in terms of victories by surprisingly winding up fourth in the same tourney last year before going on to top the mid-season Commissioner’s Cup.
The Aces have included rookies Chris Exciminiano and Ryan Buenafe in their roster but Trillo is sure to go to Cyrus Baguio, Jayvee Casio, Sonny Thoss, Gabby Espinas, RJ Jazul and Calvin Abueva the most. (NC)
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